Kyren's cheerfulness lightens the heart of all party members and so Udunga's fate is a little bit more bearable, yet his fate dampens your thoughts.
The shrine consists of a small garden of strange vegetation just in front of another gap in the city wall. Large flowers with exotic and colourful blossoms grow chaotically all over the place in which's centre a small white marble statue dedicated to Gozreh is placed.
Two men, wearing turbans and clothes that have a distinct Vudrani look, dander through the garden discussing something, and a lone woman with dark bronze skin are the only people that are here at the moment.
Kyren approaches the two men and asks them, "Excuse me, my good fellas. I am here looking for a group of freed Garundi, former slaves if you will. I was told they frequent here often. Have you seen such people? "
Wow, Kyren," Bonzo exclaims, "You're the bravest halfling I've ever met! I can't wait to tell the fam' about this!"
The two men pause in their debate, one arches an eyebrow in a manner that you suddenly feel like a pesky insect of some sort, he then answers with a haughty voice
Yes, such people can be found here, but only in the evening, when they have finished their daily toil...Now would you please leave us to our philosophical problem?
"What sort of daily toil might you be talking about, sir?" Bonzo chimes in, not letting the conversation end so quickly. He then adds, as an after thought, "Just so you know, we happen to be a very skilled group of adventurers dedicated to the solving of philosophical oddities--only last week we solved the dilemma of immoral consequentialism in front of an entire crowd of philosophers! Perhaps if we could help you with your problem, you could help us with ours? It seems a fair trade to me."
Bluff
Diplomacy (if needed) ouch
Now both furrow their brows
Oha! Hark hark my friend, there is an initiate of philosophy amongst us. And as he just stated, his whole group of friends is also dedicated to the solving of philosophical discourses.
While you are a little bit too loud and straightforward, you seem to speak the truth...I think I heard about your solving of the dilemma of immoral consequentialism.
Now let's hear what you think about our problem:
An old Azlanti proverb says: Si vis pacem para bellum.
Our problem now is: If one party decides to secure peace by mustering a mighty host, does that not force all other parties to do the same?! And would a later ensuing war not be far more devastating than it would have been in the first place?
Spitting on the ground Thorne mutters "Typical mutton headed armchair generals .."
Adding loudly for the definite inclusion of the philosophers, "Look, any nation worth its salt would try as best as possible to muster as big an army as best it can without alarming its neighbors. Then they would strike as quickly as possible at them neighbors in order to ensure peace is kept. Their peace. Savvy? Do it fast and hard enough and the neighbors wont know what hit them.
Take your time building your army and you build your enemies army as well. Audacity and swift action. Tempo and movement."
Stepping up to the pair he puts his hands on each ones shoulder.
Tempo ...
Then vaults over them to land behind.
Acrobatics
Landing poorly, and falling on his butt.
... and movement. Ouch. Uhm one of yah learned scholars care to show me a practical example of leverage like and help me up?"
Spitting on the ground Thorne mutters "Typical mutton headed armchair generals .."
I'll give thorne a hand up.
Hahaha!! Despite his less-than-dramatic conclusion, Thorne here is absolutely right!! You guys can discuss philosophy until the gargoyles outside crumble, but the reality on the street is what interests folks like him, and me! I clap Thorne on the shoulder once he's on his feet. preach it!!
"A smart Azlanti said that, this is true. What has been missed by those who are following his words is that they are being overly literal. It says to prepare for war, not to raise a huge host of lions. Let us take Blaze here..." he motions to the greatcat firepelt "On of natures most refined and efficient killers, an apex predator. Now should I be preparing for war by simply raising a huge host then I would want a hundred such creatures, a thousand, ten thousand even, I would be the most unstoppable force in the animal kingdom - to encroach on my land would be folly, surely I would be judged as a strong man, wise in the counsel of the Azlanti scholar"
"But what would I feed them? What would I do to keep them from hunting each other? What would I entertain them with? and as the shallow humans demand, with what shall I pay them?"
"It becomes obvious! I need cattle! scores and scores of cattle with which to feed them... a resource I can breed and breed and multiply until the ends of the Earth, a limitless resource!... but who shall be tending them? such a task would be enormous, and require many many hands, and with what will I pay them?."
"More importantly, where could I keep all these cattle?"
"Well that is obvious, I am going to need more land no?"
"Luckily I have a huge army of Firepelts with which to silence my neighbour should he feel slighted by me taking his pastureland to feed my cows that feed my forces."
He lets the point hang for a moment.
"Perhaps the Azlanti was correct though. Preparing for war may actually mean working with the land to ensure that we may remain where we are, strong and well fed. That all natures creatures are in balance and working in harmony, that each person stewards thier own patch of Earth and ensures it grows with natures abundance, that each being has its own place and is productive rather than be specialised to the point of uselessness. Prepare our hearts not to covet our neighbours posessions, prepare our bodies to not be lazy and shirk labour, prepare our minds not to simply hate the bird because it isn't a snake and has a different view of the world they both dwell in. Prepare our lands to feed us enough that we need not look elsewhere for abundance, and prepare that abundance to trade with our neighbours that which is interesting and different to our senses."
"With sharp minds, courageous hearts, hardened bodies, satiated bellies, and sharp tools...well how much more prepared for war could a nation be?"
"The Aztlanti was a genius, the rest of you are idiots"
Alcheringa seems now a bit lost in thought, something tells you that the above revelation might have something to do with the polished Elven warrior weapon he carries, the continued neatness of his appearance, regardless of how much filth he sleeps in under the stars, and his ability to simply fashion what he needs from loose ends that others discard - his ability to survive anywhere and off anything.
The two men help Thorne up, yet it is obvious that they don't do it with much fervour.
You are able to steal one of the pouches, which contains 25 gp
The men listen attentively as Alcheringa presents his view of the proverb. From time to time they make agreeing comments and in the end one of them claps
Very impressive, beast lord! I hadn't thought we would meet such a sophisticated thinker amongst the hardy folks of Kaer Maga. We have to think about your explanations, but if you're interested to continue the discourse, you can meet us here during most mornings.
As the men leave you, the bronze skinned woman approaches. She has bound her hair to several long braids and wears an exotic looking orange garment.
Excuse me, but did you just say you are here looking for the freed slaves from Garund?
Excuse me, but did you just say you are here looking for the freed slaves from Garund?
"What if we were?"
Recognizing that the lady must have overheard his earlier question with the two gentlemen, Kyren chimes in.
My lovely dear, we certainly are. We are most concerned for their safety and I wish to speak with them. Is it true that they only come here at night? Do you have any information on their current whereabouts?
Affronted by Alcheringa's rough reply the woman stammers
Sorry, I didn't want to nose into things that are non of my business...
Even Kyren's more friendly attempt isn't able to change her mind and so she turns around to walk back to the Gozreh statue.
Unskilled diplomacy
Oi me lovely - no need to scat away! I'd rather listen to a pretty lass like you than a bunch of old farts like them other two any day!
My dear lady, please don't let my gruff companion dissuade you from talking to us. He is only use to visiting with his cat for companionship. Naturally, his responses always get lost in translation. Please stay and tarry a while. My name is Kyren Tosscobble and we are the Wee Bluets. Let me add that we just did. We are urgently trying to save these Garundis from an ill fate and any information you have would be most appreciated and may even help save lives. My dear, if you have something to tell us, we would be most grateful!"
Diplomacy
The woman halts and turns to Kyren
Really? Are you really here to help the Expanse people? If that's true, it's all the more sad that you didn't arrive yesterday, when our spokesman Udunga was still alive.
My dear, I cannot tell you how upsetting his death is to me. I was with him when he died, and I blame myself that I could not save him. Unfortunately we were taken completely by surprise. Kyren begins to grow emotional as he starts talking about the event. Several thugs attacked us from the rooftop and a large ogre named Grumbak came out of the alley. By the grace of Desna and my big friend with his cat, we lived to tell the tale. But I only wish we could have saved Undunga. In fact we were on our way here when we were attacked. I know we were unable to save Undunga, but I hope we can still save the rest! Will you please help us find the others?
The woman gets teary-eyed, she sighs and with shaky voice says
He was a paragon to all of us: A freedom-loving spirit, a joyful philosopher and a friend in need...I heard that he was accompanied by a group of strangers who avenged his death, yet I didn't know that you are those strangers...I'm most grateful that you ended the terror his murderers spread.
I'd be happy to help the men that stayed with Udunga during his last breaths. My name is Alura and I think I can help you. I know most of the people from the Expanse and I could summon them to this place this evening, if you like. I don't think the Hua'qua Ruyali dares to attack such a large crowd of people.
I know most of the people from the Expanse and I could summon them to this place this evening, if you like. I don't think the Hua'qua Ruyali dares to attack such a large crowd of people.
"Alura, that would be wonderful if you summoned the group tonight! I am curious, how many of them are actual former slaves?"
"Who are the Hua'qua Ruyali? Are they the group responsible for the death of Undunga and the others?"
"Yeah, we heard it was specifically the former slaves who were being attacked and murdered. But we haven't heard of this Hua'qua Ruyali until now," Bonzo says thoughtfully, "Perhaps you could enlighten us a little more about this dangerous, evil group? They might be exactly the people we're trying to find and eliminate."
Some of the Garundis use the term Hua'qua Ruyali, for the strange entity that killed so many former slaves. Roughly translated it means Poisonous Jaguar and describes a beast native to the jungles of the Expanse. I doubt that such an animal could be living in Kaer Maga, yet the people tend to believe that the danger occurs from something they know...I will summon my friends and every other Garundi I know, but promise me that you will protect them.
"Alura, we are but a few small halflings with a few big folk and a cat around to protect us. We cannot possibly protect all of the Garundi at all times. However, I do have a place in mind that we could use as a refuge. It is called the Revive and it is run by an amazing chef named Bobo. If the Garundi were willing to help us with some chores, such as fixing the place up and help serving meals to others, then we would be happy to let them call this place home. Tonight, I will share my ideas with the others and hopefully we will be able to prevent any further deaths. Well, we have some more investigating to do. We will be back tonight."
Mr. Tosscobble, your plans take me by surprise, nevertheless I think they could turn out to be just brilliant! I will rush to speak to those that need shelter and meet you here again tonight when dusk sets in!
Alura leaves the garden, her countenance joy- and hopeful.
"Ok, my friends. The next stop is the Gutter Flutter. This mission is just for watching. I want to see if there is any info we can pick up at this place. If it looks good, we can also get some lunch! Now, how do we get there from here?"
The Elf retains his slightly aloof posture and demeanour.
"She seems to have warmed to you. I just have a growing mistrust in strange humans who show interest in my matters, they have a habit of trying to kill me not long after"
"Have no worries, my cat loving friend. I knew what you were saying. I notice that most big folk take offense really easily. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that they don't get out and have some fun in their lives. Too much work makes them serious. I think we should start having dances at the Revive for a Better Life!"
Local knowledge check
Kyren remembers that he passed the Gutter Flutter once during the past days. He leads the party back into the bustling, yet morbid streets of Ankar Te, to the central square with the Child's Goddess' Pyramid.
Opposite the pyramid, in a distance of about 100m is the Gutter Flutter. It's a cave-like place, built into the city wall with small windows and just a leathery curtain as door.
A heavily muscled Gnoll bouncer accompanied by two naked male zombie slaves with spiked clubs, guards the door and eyes all passersby sceptically.
Alcheringa mutters to himself loud enough for his friends to hear - "Zombies, why does it always have to be Zombies?"
"Ok, folks. Let's go in and see what we can find out. Follow me."
Kyren walks up to the gnoll bouncer and in complete confidence speaks out.
"Hey mister! You serve any grub in this place? My friends and I have a hankerin for some chow. If I like your place, I'd also be willing to give your customers a little entertainment for free. Kyren pats the case to his musical instrument.
Diplomacy
Alcheringa mutters to himself loud enough for his friends to hear - "Zombies, why does it always have to be Zombies?"
*smirking* Of CORPSE it's zombies!!
The gnoll snarls, then grins wickedly
GRR, ye'rre rrather looking like a desserrrt than a customerrr, grrr. Get in, hrhr.
You enther through the curtain and are taken aback by the interior of the tavern.
There are no tables or chairs, just a long bar and a podium at the opposite side of the room. The floor is covered by a thick layer of sawdust and large stains of blood, puke and other things colour it like a rag rug.
The customers are mostly goblinoids. You notice a group of three bugbears at the bar that bedevil a small goblin by poking their fingers into his eyes.
Besides them, there are orcs, hobgoblins and also a troll leaning at the bar.
Most talks end as you enter and all eyes are on you...you somehow get the feeling humans and halflings are a rare sight in this establishment...
"Kyren I don't think you want what they are offering for lunch"
"Kyren I don't think you want what they are offering for lunch"
I'm looking around, VERY concerned. I've drawn daggers and am holding them as serruptitiously as possible (blades against forearms, hands down) while keeping a constant eye out--for enemies, as well as for exits!
Al's right. If any of us wander away from the group, we'll be presenting a tasty target, so stay together. We need to do what we need to do, and be gone--and keep a low profile. Anything out of the ordinary, and we'll be begging for trouble.
Alcheringa, if things get ugly, try to get Blaze to flank with me, OK?
Kyren looks around the room carefully for the Tiefling.
Perception
"Are you guys with me? I hope this wasn't a mistake coming here. Even if we survived the meal, I'm not sure we will survive the company. Vaugn, be sure to watch my back. If any of those beasts start eyeing me for lunch, can you thrusts those daggers of your into them? Now it's time to sooth the savage beasts!"
Kyren speaks out to the crowd. "Hey is this the Gutter Flutter? Hey, has anyone seen Grumbak? He told me to meet him here to play harp for his party!"
Bluff
It's funny, but as you enunciate the ogre's name the silence in the room becomes even more intense and is only broken by the troll cracking his knuckles, and then crushing the tin tankard in his right fist to the size of a coin...
Whom ye be to speak Grumbak's name? Dis son of a hyena in heat is as dead as one can be, hahaha! Now me dun' like harp-play, but mabby ye can sing for us, heh, sumthin' we like!
He nods to the podium and you have the feeling it's an offer you cannot refuse...
The other visitors of the tavern eye you with open curiosity, the bugbears have even stopped poking the goblin who has drawn out a rusty knife...just in case...
Kyren looks around the room nervously, quickly thinking about a song to sing. This is going to be a completely different kind of performance than what I did for the Fremen. What was that song that old Ronald Reuel use to sing? It had a troll in it and some bones. Oh yes, this should fit the bill for this crowd. Let's hope this doesn't backfire on me. How did that go again. As the lyrics start forming in his head, Kyren walks up to the podium and calls out, trying to win them over.
Diplomacy Check
”Hold on, Hold on! No need to get yourself in an uproar. I’ve got just the song for you. This is about a troll and his bone and some poor sod that tried to take it away from him. You all know what happens to those sort, don't you.“ Kyren starts stamping a beat out with his foot and then begins,
Troll sat alone on his seat of stone,
And munched and mumbled a bare old bone;
For many a year he had gnawed it near,
For meat was hard to come by.
Done by! Gum by!
In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone,
And meat was hard to come by.
Up came Tom with his big boots on.
Said he to Troll: 'Pray, what is yon?
For it looks like the shin o' my nuncle Tim.
As should be a-lyin' in the graveyard.
Caveyard! Paveyard!
This many a year has Tim been gone,
And I thought he were lyin' in the graveyard.'
'My lad,' said Troll, 'this bone I stole.
But what be bones that lie in a hole?
Thy nuncle was dead as a lump o' lead,
Afore I found his shinbone.
Tinbone! Skinbone!
He can spare a share for a poor old troll,
For he don't need his shinbone.'
Said Tom: 'I don't see why the likes o' thee
Without axin' leave should go makin' free
With the shank or the shin o' my father's kin;
So hand the old bone over!
Rover! Trover!
Though dead he be, it belongs to he;
So hand the old bone over!'
'For a couple o' pins,' says Troll, and grins,
'I'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins.
A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet!
I'll try my teeth on thee now.
Hee now! See now!
I'm tired o' gnawing old bones and skins;
I've a mind to dine on thee now.'
But just as he thought his dinner was caught,
He found his hands had hold of naught.
Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind
And gave him the boot to larn him.
Warn him! Darn him!
A bump o' the boot on the seat, Tom thought,
Would be the way to larn him.
But harder than stone is the flesh and bone
Of a troll that sits in the hills alone.
As well set your boot to the mountain's root,
For the seat of a troll don't feel it.
Peel it! Heal it!
Old Troll laughed, when he heard Tom groan,
And he knew his toes could feel it.
Tom's leg is game, since home he came,
And his bootless foot is lasting lame;
But Troll don't care, and he's still there
With the bone he boned from its owner.
Doner! Boner!
Troll's old seat is still the same,
And the bone he boned from its owner!
Perform Check
As Kyren ends his song, all customers of the Gutter Flutter look nervously to the troll who just stares at the podium. The only thing hearable is a fart...seems like the goblin is really scared...
Then suddenly the troll starts roaring and claps in his hands.
Muahaha, de friggin best song I eva heard in dis filty hole! You good, you live, hahaha! Now wuddya wanded here at all?
As the troll relaxes and laughs, the other goblinoids also laugh and the tension ebbs away...The bartender mixes some strange drinks he calls "byr" and hands them to you, it seems like no one wants to eat you anymore...for now.
Whew, that was a close one! ”Hehe. Thanks. Well, the gang and I were just wondering if you knew of a Demon B.tch that comes around here much. Grumbak mentioned that she might have some work for us.”
Bluff
Whew, that was a close one! ”Hehe. Thanks. Well, the gang and I were just wondering if you knew of a Demon B.tch that comes around here much. Grumbak mentioned that she might have some work for us.”
Man, that halfling has the biggest nards I've ever seen!
I'm keeping a close eye around for trouble while Kyren continues schmoozing. I'll stay near him, though, and lend some assistance if I think it's appropriate and will be helpful.
Intimidate (if necessary)
Alcheringa nods in acknowledgement to Kyren.
Aside from that he studies the room around him, taking note of the peculiarness of the place. Blaze sits up next to him, alert.
Bonzo and Donna stand to the side of the podium, watching Kyren play, though also watching the crowd closely for any foul play.
Bonzo Perception
Donna Perception
The troll blinks several times, then orders another "byr" and says
De tiefling ye mean mus' be Emerald...she is Horus' right hand woman...ver'y dangerous. I heard Horus had som' quarrels wid a necromancer...Worsh and his successor...umm Alexite or sumthin'.
The rest of you can observe that the customers return to their normals habits: they drink, bedevil and laugh. At second sight the tavern isn't more barbaric than any other tavern in Ankar-Te.
I heard Horus had som' quarrels wid a necromancer...Worsh and his successor...umm Alexite or sumthin'.
Alcheringa mentions as a quiet aside to the party, "Worsh is dead in the mud and Alexite is missing, suppose those quarrels are mostly resolved"
Kyren carefully continues the conversation with the troll as long as he seems aimiable. "So, uhhmm . . . Does Emerald and Horus come around here often? If I wanted to meet them, where could I find them?"
The troll scratches his chin and takes a deep drain of his "byr".
Horus is de unoffishial leada of Anka Te. He owns de Last Rites shop...un he control a host of zombies...you betta not f.uck wid him...Emerald cums here rarely...an' ne'er she cums wid good news, heh!
"Yes, meeting her has always involved at least one freshly made corpse."
The troll starts to develope an interest in your story...
As I said, heh. You know dis Alexite guy? Is he necromanca also?